FASTag Annual Pass: If you drive on highways, you are likely familiar with toll regulations. Travelling on highways and expressways requires paying tolls. However, rumours recently circulated on social media and online platforms claiming that the government had completely discontinued the annual pass facility for 6-seater, 7-seater, and three-row SUVs and cars.
These reports confused owners of large cars and SUVs. In response, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) issued an official statement clarifying the matter. The NHAI dismissed these reports as completely false and baseless, confirming that all 7-seater vehicles remain eligible for this pass.
Here is what the NHAI said:
Following the viral social media reports, the NHAI clarified that the annual pass facility for 3-row or 7-seater cars has not been discontinued. According to the NHAI, any private or non-commercial car, jeep, or van with an active and valid FASTag is eligible for this annual pass facility. Furthermore, the NHAI has urged motorists not to trust such fake news and to rely solely on official information.
Which vehicles are eligible?
Under NHAI rules, there is no discrimination based on a vehicle’s seating capacity. The main condition is that the vehicle must be used for private purposes. The vehicle must be registered in the vehicle database as a private car, jeep, or van. If your 7-seater car is registered for commercial use or bears a yellow number plate, it will not be eligible for the annual pass facility; only vehicles with private registration plates can avail of this benefit. Know the Cost and Benefits
The FASTag Annual Pass scheme offers significant toll savings for motorists who frequently travel on national highways. Under this scheme, vehicle owners pay a fixed annual fee. The pass remains valid for one year from the date of issuance or for 200 trips, whichever comes first. Since drivers don’t have to pay separate toll charges for each journey, the scheme not only saves money but also significantly reduces time spent at toll booths.
How to Apply for the Annual Pass?
If you have an active FASTag and want to activate an annual pass for your 7-seater car, you don’t need to visit an agent. You can simply use the NHAI’s official mobile app, ‘Rajmarg Yatra’, or the NHAI’s official website. Enter your vehicle registration number in the app or on the website; the system will then verify your eligibility against the vehicle database. Once verification is complete and you pay the prescribed fee, the system can activate the annual pass on your existing FASTag within about two hours.